When TV folks started talking to Lance Storm about putting together a wrestling documentary show, the accomplished veteran wrestler knew he wanted it done a certain way.

And after going through 3 1/2 weeks of shooting the show, World of Hurt, which premiered May 1 on The Cave, Storm is happy with the end result.

With 10 30-minute episodes on the way, the show is a roller coaster ride of pain, conflict and triumphs.

"The biggest thing I was worried about was how the in-ring training would be portrayed," said Storm, who successfully operates the Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, where the show is filmed.

"This isn't a big exposé. I was real happy with the in-ring representation. All the critics will say that it's just another exposé. I would say, 'Yeah, we're going to expose just how much work goes into this.'

"We don't insult anyone's intelligence, but we don't expose as much as you might think. On a grand scheme, I'm happy with the show. I'm really anal retentive, there are always little things that stick at me."

To get the project going, Storm brought back some former wrestlers from his camp.

"They obviously wanted to have different looks and different personalities," said Storm. "And we got different nationalities, which makes for a good mix.

"It was early mornings and long days. And that adds to the drama because any tension was amplified and exaggerated. (In wrestling), if there's a hornet's nest, the boys like to poke it."

Plenty of the show's tension is between Irena and fellow Aussie Dylan Knight, who constantly belittles her. Ironically, Irena, along with Tenille, have already landed a WWE developmental deals.

"(Dylan's) not the happiest about the situation," said Storm, who says while he's happy for any success the school's wrestlers may achieve, they've got to earn everything with hard work.

"Getting exposure for the school is good, but I'm more interested in getting exposure for the wrestlers," he said. "I'm not a big fan of coddling people too much. When you get into the business, you're not going to have anyone holding your hand. If you mess up, it could be in front of a large crowd instead of the dozen people you're training with."

Storm's wrestling school has three 12-week sessions each year, with 12 students ideally in each session.

"We're teaching everything from how to fall and not kill yourself to having a full match."

Storm says he practises what he preaches to his students.

"We've seen wrestlers who have suffered from alcoholism, had four divorces, did drugs, gone to rehab.

"I started dating my wife in 1992, we got married in 1994 and we are still together. I don't do drugs, I have never gone to rehab, I've never declared bankruptcy. I'm more of a rarity in the business."

"It's easy to fall into a trap when you make a fair bit of money."

Storm fought last month on Prairie Wrestling Alliance's 10th anniversary show after jokingly saying if The Dudley Boys were brought in, he would put on the tights. Sure enough, Storm teamed with Devon against Bully Ray and Dylan Knight.

Storm hasn't officially retired and says he has an ideal last match in mind.

"I would really like to go out against Chris Jericho because I had my first match against him. We have feuded and tagged off and on for the last 21 years. He's got one more big (WWE) run left in him. But, in a perfect world, when he's ready to retire, there will be a match."